Feet kickers? Ags overcome desperate Pokes

By BRENT ZWERNEMAN
STILLWATER, Okla. – Oklahoma State was desperate on Saturday night in Gallagher-Iba. Texas A&M wasn’t, but the Aggie still came out on top 67-66 before an arena that was about two-thirds full.

Cowboys coach Travis Ford was so perplexed afterward he offered an interesting perspective on exactly what happened.

“We just kicked ourselves in the foot all night,” he said, shaking his head. “It was just us – we just kicked ourselves in the foot.”

From my vantage from the corner of the court, I’d say the ones who, um, kicked themselves in the feet the most were the officials. That was one of the worst called games I’ve witnessed, and it was bad for both teams. The game ended with a bunch of boos aimed at the referees, but both sides had reason to complain after that one.

In any case, the 4-8 Cowboys probably won’t be making the NCAA tournament after dropping this one, and with a road game at Kansas on hand. The Aggies, following a 4-4 start to league play, are in excellent shape for a sixth consecutive NCAA tournament bid following four straight wins.

No. 21 A&M (8-4) likely needs only one more victory to ensure a postseason spot. That might come as soon as Wednesday night against Oklahoma (4-8) in Reed Arena. A&M then goes on the road for two at Baylor (6-6) and Kansas (10-2), before wrapping up regular-season play in Reed against Texas Tech (4-8).

“It was a great win for us because we knew OSU had their backs against the wall,” A&M coach Mark Turgeon said, “and they played like it.”

So did the Aggies – one more reason why they’re likely headed to yet another NCAA tournament under Turgeon.